Gary Residents Endure Prolonged Power Outage amid Storm Recovery

Yolanda Ojeda, 65, has been without electricity in her Locust Avenue home in Gary since August 11. She was prepared for potential outages and had a generator. However, when she tried to use it, she discovered it was inoperative. Ojeda expressed her frustration, stating, “It wouldn’t start. After all of that. After carrying it up my stairs and everything.”

In addition to facing power outages, Ojeda works long shifts at Cleveland-Cliffs in East Chicago, returning late at night without streetlights to guide her drive. “I can’t navigate at night without streetlights,” she admitted. “Power lines are on the road, so I’m driving very cautiously. And then I come home, and I can’t really see around my house.”

Residents of Gary have faced power interruptions since August 11, with no clear indication of restoration time. NIPSCO’s updates extend to late August 25, yet Gary has not been explicitly included. Similarly, cities like Hammond, East Chicago, Lake Station, Portage, New Chicago, and Ogden Dunes face a lack of detailed information. According to NIPSCO, those not specifically mentioned may be part of broader service areas or still under evaluation.

“I know these have been difficult and uncertain days for many across our city, and I want you to know that you are not facing this alone,” Gary Mayor Eddie Melton said. “The City of Gary is here, and we are working every day to respond to the damage, connect residents with resources they need, and help our community recover.”

As of Tuesday afternoon, NIPSCO reported 26,836 Gary residents remained without power. Ojeda faced additional challenges when a neighbor’s fallen tree took down a power line in her yard, yet she hadn’t seen repair crews yet.

Despite the circumstances, Ojeda remains hopeful, saying, “I’m blessed that I still have my house. I feel blessed that I’m alive, and that I’ve been able to make it to work. I just feel that there’s so many other people who are far worse off.”

Throughout the area served by NIPSCO, 95,161 residents remain without power. A NIPSCO statement emphasized their commitment to restoring power but cautioned that severe damage dictates restoration timelines. Prioritization is based on system needs, safety, and efficiency, aiming to restore service to the greatest number quickly.

Ollicia England, 43, living on East Fifth Avenue, shared her difficulties with extended power loss. Her aunt, dependent on a heart monitor, also lacked electricity. Both women had to purchase new generators. England spent around $700, while her aunt’s cost was about $400. England voiced her concerns for older residents, particularly those with medical challenges. “It’s a lot of older people in this neighborhood,” she said. “For them to have to sit out on their porch to get away from the heat in their house, I think that’s bad. It’s frustrating.”

Moses Kearney, 54, also invested in a generator costing about $500, and incurs substantial daily costs for gas and food. Disheartened, he shared his view that Gary is not prioritized for power restoration. “It looks like they’re restoring everything in Rensselaer and all those areas,” he remarked, gauging differences in damage response.

Derek Zugic, 44, whose family owns properties in Gary’s Miller neighborhood and a farm, recounted his proactive approach by obtaining generators before the storms. He observed crews actively working in the area, acknowledging their efforts but criticized previous maintenance oversight. “If (NIPSCO and the city) would’ve kept up with prior maintenance, this would’ve been a whole different situation.”

Community efforts have been strained as the Calumet Township Trustee’s Office reported depleting emergency food vouchers after supporting 773 people. “The need in our community has been tremendous, and demand exceeded the resources available for this effort,” they communicated in a Facebook post, urging community members to reach out to elected officials for additional aid.

The Food Bank of Northwest Indiana has scheduled several upcoming mobile market events to aid residents, with locations including Living Hope Church in Merrillville and Portage High School. The Gary Community Schools announced food distribution efforts at various locations to support those in need during this challenging time.